Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust has hit out at the FA cup match scheduling.

Earlier this week, Spurs announced their FA Cup third round tie at Burnley will be played on a Monday evening, despite there being no television coverage.

The club is set to face Burnley at Turf Moor on Monday January 5, with a kick-off time of 7.45pm.

Tottenham Hotspur says it is aware the date of the match may “present problems” for supporters who want to attend.

In a statement, THST said:  “Once again, the football authorities' actions make the fine words about giving the fans more consideration appear little more than lip service.”

The Trust said the tie had “understandably” prompted protest from Spurs fans, as supporters would be faced with a long trip on the first working day of the year.

It pointed out that the  last scheduled train leaves Burnley for London at half time, and that those travelling by coach would need to find way back from White Hart Lane at 4am in the morning.

Both Burnley and Spurs are playing Premier League matches on January 1, with Saturday January 3 and Sunday January 4 both ruled out.

Lancashire Police say they are unable to steward a match on January 4.

A spokesman for THST said: "In previous conversations with the FA and the Premier League we have, alongside other fan organisations, frequently questioned the way the scheduling of live games impacts upon fans, and this is a prime example of the problem.

“We appreciate, too, that the playing and coaching staff must ensure there is appropriate recovery time between games. But scheduling the game on Sunday 4 January would have meant the game was played three days after the Chelsea match, and at a time when it would have easier for travelling supporters to attend.

“Our understanding is that both Burnley and Spurs were happy for the game to go ahead on 4 January. But, as the Club's statement said, there were "police and stewarding issues" that meant Sunday was not possible.

“We have asked the Club to clarify what those issues were. We have yet to receive a reply. We have also contacted Lancashire Police to ask what those issues were. We have yet to receive a reply. 

"The possibility of a cup tie between Accrington Stanley and Manchester United on the 4 January has been mentioned frequently as a possible reason why the Burnley v Spurs tie could not go ahead on that day.

“We have asked Lancashire Police if it is true that they did not have the resources to deal with two football matches in the same county on the same day. We have yet to receive a reply.”

The Trust go on to point out that Accrington Stanley have now been knocked out of the cup, meaning there will be no match on January 4.

In their statement, they question whether the FA insisted on a decision for the time of the Burnley v Spurs match before the outcome of the Accrington tie was known.

A spokesman for Tottenham Hotspur FC said: “We are fully aware that the date for this match may present problems to some members of our fan base intending to travel to Turf Moor and we are currently in the process of confirming details to assist with transport arrangements."